CCAT Abstract & Logical Reasoning – Sequences, Matrices, Syllogisms, and Word Comparisons
Updated: Sep 2025 | Used by 10,000+ Learners Globally
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a 15-minute exam with 50 questions that test your problem-solving, reasoning, and learning ability. Along with Numerical Ability and Verbal Ability, the Abstract & Logical Reasoning section is designed to measure how quickly you can recognize patterns, analyze relationships, and pay attention to detail.
Many candidates find this section challenging because it includes both visual (non-verbal) and logic-based puzzles. In this guide, we’ll break down every CCAT reasoning format, share examples, and give you strategies to solve faster under pressure.
👉 “The CCAT also tests your Numerical Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. In this guide, we’ll focus on Numerical Ability — but you can also check out our CCAT Numerical Ability Guide and CCAT Verbal Reasoning Guide for complete preparation.”
What Is Abstract & Logical Reasoning on the CCAT?
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This section tests:
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Abstract Reasoning → spotting rules in shapes and patterns.
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Logical Reasoning → analyzing statements and comparing words.
Every question has five answer choices, and you’ll typically face ~14–16 reasoning questions in the 15-minute test.
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Reference: Criteria Corp CCAT Overview
Abstract Reasoning Formats
1. Sequences – What Comes Next?
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Number of Questions ~ 4
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A series of shapes follows a rule or pattern. Your task is to identify the pattern and select the correct answer among 5 choices
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Common rules: rotation, shading, number of elements.
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Strategy: Look for one simple change per step (rotation → shading → count)
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Example : Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark(?) to complete the pattern?
Explaination
Correct Answer: B
The series alternates between ‘×’ and ‘ ÷’ . So the next element in the list is ‘×
2. Odd-One-Out
- Number of Questions ~ 4
- A set of 4–5 figures with a rule in common in between them, except for one, which does not follow that rule. Your task is to identify a pattern among the options. Select the option that does not follow the pattern
- Strategy: Compare shapes in pairs to find the inconsistent one
Example – Which of the following does not belong?
Explaination
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This is an outlier identification problem. To solve it, study all 5 options and see what they have in common. In this case, each choice has three shapes. What are those shapes? Each one contains a circle, a pentagon, and a square. Except Choice B. Instead of a square, it has two pentagons. Since this is the only one that doubles up on shapes, it’s the one that doesn’t belong.
3. 3×3 Matrices (Pattern Grids)
- Number of Questions ~ 3
- Always a 3×3 grid with one missing cell.
- Rule applies across rows and columns.
- Common rules: add/remove elements, rotations, symmetry.
- Strategy: Scan rows first; if unclear, check columns
Example – Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern
Explaination
The correct answer is B)
Rule 1: Row 1 has grey-colored figures,
Rule 2: Row 3 has the same figures as white but in double quantity
Hence Row 2’s first figure will be a white-coloured figure and a heart(since the first figure of both rows 1 and 3 is a heart).
Only Option B satisfies this criteria
Logical Reasoning Formats
4. Word Comparison (Same/Different)
- Number of Questions ~ 3
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Two columns of group of words (Left & Right). Each row = one pair.
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Task: Count how many pairs are spelled exactly the same.
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Strategy:
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Don’t skim — differences can be subtle.
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Compare letter by letter.
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Work quickly; accuracy is more important than perfection.
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Example – How many of the five items in the left-hand column are exactly the same as the corresponding entry in the right-hand column?
Nucor Steel Co. — — — — — — — — — — — Nucor Steel Comp.
Starks Industrial, Inc. — — — — — — — Starks Industrials, Inc.
Hennery & Davidson — — — — — — — Hennery & Davidsen
Dalliers, Cleeve and Sons — — — — — Dalliers, Cleve and Sons
Titan Chemicals Co. — — — — — — Titan Chemicals Co.
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
Explaination
The correct answer is (A)
The completely identical items: Titan Chemicals Co.
mistakes are marked in bold :
Nucor Steel Co. — — — — — — Nucor Steel Comp.
Starks Industrial, Inc. — — — — -Starks Industrials, Inc.
Hennery & Davidson — — — — — Hennery & Davidsen
Dalliers, Cleeve and Sons — -Dalliers, Cleve and Sons
Titan Chemicals Co. — — — — — — Titan Chemicals Co.
5. Syllogisms (Logical Statements)
- Number of Questions ~ 3
- You’re given statements (premises). Decide if a conclusion follows.
- Strategy:
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Visualize with quick Venn diagrams.
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If the conclusion doesn’t follow 100% logically, answer “Cannot be determined.”
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Example – Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final statement: 1) True, 2) False, or 3) Uncertain based on the information provided?
Geoffrey is older than Harry.
Harry is older than Gavin.
Gavin is older than Geoffrey
A)TRUE
B)FALSE
C)Uncertain
Explaination
Correct Answer: B
Let’s employ mathematical symbols to aid in our comprehension. “Greater than” (>) signifies “older than,”
(1) Geoffrey is older than Harry: Geoffrey > Harry.
(2) Harry is older than Gavin: Harry > Gavin
Hence, we deduce that — Geoffrey > Harry > Gavin
Hence, the Third statement says which says Gavin is older than Geoffrey is False
Hence the correct answer is B) — False
Common Challenges in Abstract Reasoning
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Overcomplicating abstract patterns → rules are usually simple.
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Time sink on matrices → limit to 20s.
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Careless spelling errors in word comparison.
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Assumptions in syllogisms → stick to logic only.
💡 Pro tip: If stuck beyond 20 seconds, guess and move on.
How to Prepare for Abstract & Logical Reasoning
Step 1 – Drill Formats Separately
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Day 1–2: Sequences + Odd-One-Out.
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Day 3: Matrices.
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Day 4: Word Comparisons.
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Day 5: Syllogisms.
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Day 6: Mixed timed quiz (20 Qs / 5 min).
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Day 7: Full CCAT mock.
Step 2 – Use a Pattern & Logic Checklist
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Abstract → Rotation → Progression → Symmetry → Count.
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Logical → Check letter-by-letter → Draw quick diagrams.
Time Management Tips
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Solve fast wins first (sequences, odd-one-out).
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Don’t spend >20s on matrices or syllogisms.
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Word comparisons = scan steadily, not twice.
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Never leave blanks — guessing has no penalty.
Final Checklist Before Test Day
✅ Revise the CCAT wordlist (antonyms & tricky vocab).
✅ Practice analogy logic daily.
✅ Complete at least 1 timed mock.
✅ Remember: speed > perfection.
Next Steps in Your CCAT Prep
Numerical Ability is just one part of the test. Make sure you also prepare for:
And don’t forget your resources:
